Questor Insurance News

Egypt tourism could return to pre-uprising levels in 2015

Egypt’s tourism industry could bounce back to levels recorded before the Arab Spring, the country’s Tourism Minister has said.

Speaking to Reuters Hisham Zaazou expressed hopes that tourism numbers would experience a 10% boost in 2014, and recover to levels seen before the uprising (14.7 million visitors).

"If the relative stability that exists now continues I imagine there will be a (full) recovery," Zaazou said.

While official figures show that tourism revenues plummeted by 25% in the first half of 2014, amounting to US$3 billion, Zaazou argued that improved travel advisories and security could make the prospects for the second half of 2014 brighter.

“After the presidential election, we envisioned better security and stability in Egypt, which has been reflected in the lifting or softening of negative travel advisories by a number of European countries,” Zaazou told Reuters.

“The European market represents an important source of business and that yielded a better flow of tourists into the country. The second half will be much better than the first half and I look forward to an increase.”

On the country’s official tourism website it describes the delights of Egypt in the following way:

“The stunning, colossal monuments of Ancient Egypt never fail to astonish. The heat, sight and the light of the desert invigorate. The cool, turquoise waters rejuvenate. A romantic cruise along the world's longest river dazzles the senses. A first class getaway resort in the Red Sea Riviera is pure escapism. No place has the magic, mystery and pleasures of Egypt. Travel to Egypt to discover a world of wonder.”

Speaking at the World Travel Market (WTM) last year Zaazou also argued that renewed interest in Egypt is set to gain momentum in 2014.

Speaking at the time, he said: “The destination's abundance of world-class tourism attractions will again see travellers choosing Egypt for their holidays year-round.”